Yahhoo- Wallabies coach Robbie confirms what a liability QC is saying Quade Cooper needs to be less tackle-shy ( i.e chicken shit ) and share playmaking duties because his attacking game has become oh so predictable.
Deans launched a staunch defence of his controversial decision to overlook the mercurial five-eighth for his 25-man Test squad and also blamed Cooper's game for the form dip of Wallabies and Queensland centre Ben Tapuai.
Despite a strong end to 2012 and fine start to 2013, Tapuai was also omitted from Australia's initial squad for the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions and the coach attributed part of the reason to Cooper's shortcomings.
Deans rated his preferred No.10 choice James O'Connor's game as better suited to the intensity of the upcoming Test battle with the experienced Lions stars, despite just one Test start there.
In a veiled criticism of the Reds' current backline attack, he claimed Cooper, renowned as the code's most biggest enigma, had become predictable as he too often off-loaded under pressure.(i'e chicken shit under pressure)
"He just needs to adjust the balance of his game a little bit," Deans told Brisbane Triple M radio. "He needs to be a bit more prepared to take contact (and not be so chicken shit) and the people around him will thrive more so.
"The balance in (O'Connor's) game suits us better.
"I think Benny Taps is evidence of Quade not quite getting that balance right. He's not thriving outside him.
"He's got to be prepared to allow others to do some of the playmaking as well as himself because it's a more effective way.
"You only have to look at the number of turnovers going on 30 that have come off Quade as evidence.
"Anything that is predictable, the opposition can close on and produce pressure.
"It's not that he's no good - , hence why I've selected him in the past."
Deans denied a personality clash between the pair and stressed Cooper could still play a key role in the blockbuster series.
Tapuai has been benched for the Reds' past two matches, but still has far more rugby under his belt this season than direct-running centres Pat McCabe and Rob Horne.
In a squad which boasts plenty of Test experience across all other positions, O'Connor has started just six Super Rugby games at five-eighth for the Melbourne Rebels, winning one, on top of his one Test at No.10 against Wales in 2011.
While he would love the added playmaking responsibility himself, O'Connor did go into bat for Cooper on Monday.
"I think Quade's been playing really well, he's been playing quite consistently for the Reds and I think his game's definitely improved," the Rebels star said in Melbourne.
"But I've played No.10 all my life so I'm pretty comfortable there if I get given the opportunity."
And what will Deadhead Red be saying when the Aussies string a few wins together??
Bweeno tell me mate would you yarpies select QC in your Bok side?
